The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International, has called for an end to impunity, stronger democratic institutions, justice, peace and inclusive economic prosperity as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation said the anniversary should go beyond ceremonial celebrations and provide an opportunity to critically assess whether democracy is improving the lives of Nigerians.
CISLAC said democracy must mean more than elections and political transitions, arguing that it should deliver accountable leadership, strong institutions, security, justice, dignity and economic opportunities for citizens.
The organisation also raised concerns over the reported arrest and remand of five men in Maiduguri, Borno State, over allegations linked to the printing and wearing of T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.”
The men were reportedly charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery.
CISLAC said the prosecution of citizens over peaceful political expression raised concerns about freedom of expression and the shrinking of civic space.
It noted that Amnesty International had also condemned the reported arrests, arguing that political dissent expressed peacefully is protected by fundamental rights.
“A democracy that criminalises peaceful dissent and treats political slogans as threats to public order is a democracy weakened from within,” CISLAC said.
The organisation stressed that Nigeria’s democratic future depended on institutions that were stronger than individuals, political parties and powerful interests.
It urged public officials to treat public office as a public trust rather than an avenue for personal enrichment, patronage or abuse of power.
CISLAC said it would strengthen collaboration with Amnesty International and other human rights organisations to document cases involving political or public officials accused of undermining civic freedoms, suppressing legitimate political expression or frustrating citizens’ rights.
It said the documentation would support sustained advocacy for accountability and, where appropriate, engagement with relevant national, regional and international human rights and accountability mechanisms.
The organisation urged the National Assembly to strengthen its oversight functions and called on anti-corruption agencies to operate without political interference.
It also urged the judiciary, law enforcement agencies and regulatory institutions to remain independent, professional and accountable.
CISLAC identified corruption, insecurity and injustice as major threats to democratic stability, saying corruption deprives citizens of essential services while impunity erodes public confidence in government.
It expressed concern over the number of Nigerian children still out of school and the continued emigration of young and skilled Nigerians seeking better economic opportunities and living conditions.
The organisation said terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and abuses by security institutions continued to undermine citizens’ right to live without fear.
It stressed that security measures must be accompanied by accountability, respect for human rights, conflict prevention and access to justice.
On the economy, CISLAC said the benefits of independence should be reflected in access to food, decent jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education, social protection and opportunities for young people and businesses to thrive.
“Growth without inclusion is not prosperity, and democracy without economic dignity will continue to lose the confidence of citizens,” it said.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, CISLAC urged electoral institutions to protect the integrity of the vote and called on political parties to strengthen internal democracy.
It also urged authorities to ensure that electoral offences attract appropriate consequences while protecting civic space and citizens’ right to question those in government and demand accountability.
The organisation called for a renewed national commitment to credible elections, stronger institutions, accountable leadership, justice, peace, anti-corruption reforms and shared prosperity.
“The true measure of Nigeria’s independence is not simply how long the country has existed, but whether Nigerians can live in peace, thrive in Nigeria, hold leaders accountable, obtain justice and build a dignified future,” CISLAC said.
“At 66, Nigeria must move from democracy in name to democracy that genuinely delivers for the people.”
